The TikTok Ban
Many people have been outraged following the recent news of TikTok potentially being banned in the U.S. Additionally, many people say that this goes against their first amendment rights, and this should not be happening whatsoever. Furthermore, there are many other things that are of major concern regarding the American people, but those seem to be pushed aside. This angers many people, as they feel that something like this should be insignificant in comparison to what Americans go through on a daily basis. Some of these things being homelessness, inflation skyrocketing, prices of homes are way out of reach due to low wages. All in all, there are many things of upmost importance that need to be taken care of, but have not been.
TikTok Sues U.S Government
Therefore, as a result of this going against the first amendment rights everyone in the U.S is promised, TikTok has sued the U.S government as a whole. “But the companies in their petition for review contend that the law violates the First Amendment rights of its 170 million U.S. accounts in an “extraordinary and unconstitutional assertion of power” based on vaguely expressed national security concerns,” mentions the Washington Post. They also mention that the “national security risk” the government has been speaking on, is not sufficient to warrant a restriction of the first amendment.
However, ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has repeatedly tried to show their transparency with the information they collect from users. They launched “Project Texas” to show that transparency. However, clearly it has done little to nothing to alter the government’s view on TikTok. ByteDance also argues that the year that was given is not enough to complete a transfer of ownership. Essentially, they have no choice in regard to the matter.
The Future of TikTok
The future of TikTok is looking very uncertain. 170 million Americans in the United States use TikTok on a daily basis. This is to get all the information they could possibly need. However, the U.S government is ready to take that away from everyone because of a national security threat, despite much transparency being showed by the company. Therefore, the future of TikTok remains uncertain.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
The Washington Post: TikTok files court challenge to U.S. law that could lead to ban
NBC News: TikTok sues U.S. government, saying potential ban violates First Amendment
Featured Image Courtesy of Alpha Photo’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Thomas Hawk’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
